Pakistan’s 2026 Emigration Policy Includes EOBI Pension Scheme for Overseas Workers

Pakistan’s National Emigration and Welfare Policy 2026 includes a plan to introduce an EOBI pension scheme for overseas Pakistani workers. The policy was formally launched by the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development on July 23, 2026.

This development also connects with the government’s broader plan for a new voluntary pension scheme for informal workers and the Draft EOBI Bill 2026, both of which point toward wider pension coverage beyond traditional formal employment.

What has the government announced?

According to the Press Information Department, the National Emigration and Welfare Policy 2026 includes several measures for Pakistanis working abroad, including an international complaint call centre, special courts, legal support in Gulf countries and an EOBI Pension Scheme for migrant workers.

The policy is intended to strengthen protection for overseas workers before departure, during employment abroad and after their return to Pakistan.

Does this mean overseas Pakistanis can register for EOBI now?

Not necessarily. The policy confirms the government’s intention to introduce an EOBI pension scheme for overseas workers, but the official launch announcement did not provide a public registration date, monthly contribution amount, pension formula or application portal.

Until EOBI or the Ministry issues implementation rules, overseas workers should avoid paying anyone who claims to offer guaranteed registration under the new scheme.

Why this is important

Traditional EOBI coverage has mainly focused on workers in covered establishments inside Pakistan. Extending pension protection to migrant workers would be a major policy change because millions of Pakistanis spend part of their working lives abroad.

A formal pension route could help such workers build retirement protection while maintaining an official contribution record. Overseas pensioners should also follow the separate EOBI Proof of Life and NADRA verification update for payment-related verification issues.

How will the policy be implemented?

The government says the National Emigration and Welfare Policy 2026 will be implemented in three phases: short-term measures over one year, medium-term measures over two years and long-term measures over three years.

A high-level task force chaired by the Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development will monitor implementation.

What details are still missing?

• Contribution rate for overseas workers
• Eligibility rules
• Registration method
• Pension calculation formula
• Whether previous overseas employment can be counted
• When applications will open

What overseas workers should do now

Workers should wait for an official EOBI or government notification before submitting documents or contributions. The safest approach is to verify future announcements through EOBI and the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development.

Final update

The EOBI pension scheme for overseas Pakistanis is a confirmed policy commitment, but its operating rules are still awaited. eobipensions.pk will update readers when registration, contribution and eligibility details are officially announced.

Source: Government of Pakistan, Press Information Department, National Emigration and Welfare Policy 2026, July 23, 2026.